Ecommerce Technology PDF

Ecommerce Ecommerce Technology Dr Ishraga Khattab Learning objectives ► Explain Web development fundamentals ► Discuss Ecommerce platforms and website builders ► Describe Payment processing ► Recognize Shopping carts and checkout Web developments Fundamentals ► HTML, CSS, and JavaScr...

Ecommerce Ecommerce Technology Dr Ishraga Khattab Learning objectives ► Explain Web development fundamentals ► Discuss Ecommerce platforms and website builders ► Describe Payment processing ► Recognize Shopping carts and checkout Web developments Fundamentals ► HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics ► Responsive web design ► Web hosting and domain registration ► Introduction to content management systems (CMS)  HTML CSS and JavaScript These are the fundamental building blocks that make up interactive and visually appealing websites, which are crucial for successful online businesses. What is HTML? (Hypertext Markup Language) I  It is made of keywords and commands that web designers use for creating websites. It uses tags to to define a section of a page such as header , footer, tables and images etc. HTML providers the structure of the way text, pictures will appear on the website. CSS and JavaScript CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) It is the coding language that gives a website it's look and layout. Along with HTML, CSS is fundamental to web design. Without it the website would be plain text on White backgrounds. JavaScript Recognizing that JavaScript adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages Understanding how JavaScript can be used to create features like shopping carts, product displays, and user interactions Familiarity with basic programming concepts like variables, functions, and event handling Why we need the knowledge of HTML, CSS and Java script ? ► Effective Communication with Web Developers: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of these core web technologies allows business students to better communicate their requirements and ideas to the web development team. ► Informed Decision-Making: Knowing the basics of how ecommerce websites are built empowers business students to make more informed decisions about website features, design, and functionality. ► Contribution to Website Content: With a basic understanding of HTML, business students can actively participate in creating and updating website content, such as product pages, blog posts, and marketing materials. ► Appreciation of Ecommerce Functionality: Grasping the role of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in enabling ecommerce features, such as shopping carts, product displays, and user interactions, helps business students better understand the technical requirements and challenges involved. What is Responsive Web Design(RWD) ? ► Refers to the approach of creating websites that work well on a variety of devices; desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. ► Key Principles of Responsive Design ► Flexible Layouts: Using fluid grid systems and flexible media (images, videos, etc.) to ensure the website's content and layout adjusts dynamically based on the device's screen size. ► Flexible Media: Ensuring that images, videos, and other media assets scale proportionally and load quickly on different devices. ► Media Queries: Using CSS media queries to apply specific styles and layout changes based on the device's characteristics, such as screen size, resolution, and orientation. Benefits of Responsive Design for Ecommerce ► Improved User Experience: A responsive website provides a seamless and intuitive experience for customers, regardless of the device they use, leading to increased engagement and conversions. ► Easier Content Management: With a responsive design, ecommerce businesses only need to maintain a single website, rather than separate desktop and mobile versions, simplifying content updates and website management. ► Better Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Google and other search engines favour responsive websites, as they provide a better user experience and mobile-friendliness, which are important ranking factors. ► Increased Accessibility: Responsive design ensures that the website is accessible to a wider range of users, including those with disabilities or using different assistive technologies. What is Web Hosting? ► Refers to the service that provides the infrastructure and server resources necessary to publish and maintain a website or online store on the internet. ► Web hosting is the service that stores and delivers the files and data that make up a website, allowing it to be accessible to internet users. ► Web hosting providers offer a range of hosting plans, from shared hosting to dedicated servers, with varying levels of resources, performance, and capabilities. ► Choosing the right web hosting plan is crucial for ensuring the website's uptime, speed, security, and scalability to handle the demands of an online store. Key Considerations for Ecommerce Web Hosting ► Server Resources: ► Ensure the hosting plan provides adequate CPU, RAM, and storage to support the website's expected traffic and transaction volumes. ► Consider the need for features like database hosting, and email accounts. ► Reliability and Uptime: ► Look for web hosting providers with a track record of high uptime and minimal downtime, as ecommerce businesses cannot afford prolonged website outages. ► Security and Compliance: ► Ecommerce websites must comply with industry standards and regulations. ► Ensure the web hosting provider offers features like firewalls, malware scanning, and regular backups to protect the website and customer data.  Key Considerations for Ecommerce Web Hosting ► Scalability and Growth: ► As the ecommerce business grows, the web hosting plan should be able to accommodate increased traffic, transactions, and data storage needs. ► Look for hosting plans that allow for easy upgrades or the ability to scale resources as required. ► Customer Support: ► Reliable and responsive customer support is crucial for resolving any website-related issues that may arise, minimizing downtime and maintaining business operations. Content Management System (CMS) ► Content management refers to the process of creating, organizing, and maintaining the various types of content that are essential for the successful operation and growth of an online store. ► Understanding Content Management Systems (CMS) ► A CMS is a software application that allows users to create, edit, and manage website content without the need for extensive technical knowledge. ► Popular CMS platforms used in ecommerce include WordPress, Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce, among others. Key Elements of Ecommerce Content Management ► Product Catalog Management: ► Organizing and maintaining the online store's product catalog, including detailed product descriptions, images, pricing, and inventory information. ► Ensuring accurate and up-to-date product data to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. ► Content Creation and Optimization: ► Developing engaging and informative content, such as product pages, category descriptions, blog posts, and landing pages. ► Optimizing content for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility and drive organic traffic to the ecommerce website. ► Media Management: ► Uploading, organizing, and managing various media assets, including product images, videos, and graphics, to enhance the visual appeal and user experience. ► Ensuring that media files are optimized for fast loading times and responsive display across different devices. Key Elements of Ecommerce Content Management ► Customer-Centric Content: ► Creating and updating content that addresses the needs, concerns, and purchasing behaviors of the target audience, such as FAQs, user guides, and customer testimonials. ► Curating and publishing relevant and valuable content that helps customers make informed purchasing decisions. ► Omnichannel Content Syndication: ► Distributing and repurposing ecommerce content across multiple channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and third-party marketplaces, to reach a wider audience. ► Ensuring consistent brand messaging and a cohesive customer experience across all touchpoints. Ecommerce platforms and website builders ► These are crucial for building and managing successful online stores. Here's an overview of the key options: ► Ecommerce Platforms: ► Magento: A highly customizable and scalable open-source ecommerce platform, suitable for large and complex online stores. ► WooCommerce: A popular WordPress plugin that transforms a WordPress website into a fully-fledged ecommerce store. ► Shopify: A cloud-based, all-in-one ecommerce solution that provides a user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem. ► BigCommerce: An enterprise-level ecommerce platform with advanced features and capabilities for high-volume online businesses. ► Salesforce Commerce Cloud: A robust, cloud-based ecommerce platform tailored for large, multi-channel businesses. What is the payment process? ► refers to the series of steps and technologies involved in securely accepting and processing customer payments for online transactions. ► Payment Gateways: ► A payment gateway is a software application that securely transmits payment information between the customer, the merchant, and the payment processor. ► Popular payment gateways include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and Square. ► The payment gateway handles the encryption and transmission of sensitive payment data, ensuring the security of the transaction. Payment Process ► Merchant Accounts: ► A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows a business to accept and process credit and debit card payments. ► Merchant accounts are typically provided by acquiring banks or third-party payment processors. ► Businesses need to set up a merchant account, which involves completing an application, providing necessary documentation, and agreeing to the terms and conditions. ► Payment Processors: ► Payment processors are the intermediaries that facilitate the transfer of funds between the customer's bank or credit card issuer and the merchant's bank account. ► Examples of popular payment processors include Worldpay, Adyen, and First Data. ► Payment processors handle the authorization, settlement, and reconciliation of transactions, ensuring the timely and secure transfer of funds. What is the payment process? ► Payment Methods: ► Ecommerce businesses should offer a variety of payment options to cater to the preferences of their customers, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and alternative payment methods (e.g., Buy Now, Pay Later). ► The choice of payment methods should consider factors like customer preferences, transaction volumes, and associated fees. ► Fraud Prevention and Security: ► Ecommerce businesses must implement robust security measures to protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and data breaches. ► Fees and Costs: ► Ecommerce businesses must be aware of the various fees associated with the payment process, such as transaction fees, interchange fees, and monthly/annual fees charged by payment gateways and merchant account providers. ► Understanding these costs is crucial for pricing products and services, and maintaining profitability. Shopping Cart ► The shopping cart is the digital equivalent of a physical shopping basket in a brick-and-mortar store. It allows customers to accumulate and manage the products they wish to purchase before completing the transaction. ► The key aspects of the shopping cart in ecommerce include: ► Adding Items: Customers can easily add products to their cart, either from the product pages or through features like "Add to Cart" buttons. ► Updating Quantities: Customers can adjust the quantities of the items in their cart, or remove items they no longer wish to purchase. Checkout Process: ► The checkout process is the final stage of the customer's purchase journey, where they provide the necessary information to complete the transaction. The key steps in the checkout process include: ► Shipping Information: Customers input their shipping address and any special delivery instructions. ► Payment Selection: Customers choose their preferred payment method, such as credit/debit card, digital wallet, or alternative payment options. ► Order Review: Customers review the order summary, including the items, quantities, prices, and the total cost, before proceeding to payment. ► Payment Processing: The customer's payment information is securely transmitted to the payment gateway for authorization and processing. ► Order Confirmation: Upon successful payment, the customer receives a confirmation page or email, along with an order number for future reference. Conclusion ► In this lecture, we've covered the essential web development fundamentals and popular ecommerce platforms and website builders, which allow entrepreneurs to quickly and cost-effectively establish an online presence. ► We also discussed the role of payment processing, highlighting the importance of providing customers with secure and convenient payment options to complete their purchases. Understanding payment gateways, merchant accounts shopping carts and check out. ► Thank you for your attention, and I'm happy to address any remaining questions you may have. Tutorial Payment Process Illustration: Hiba will show you an illustration or diagram that depicts the typical payment processing flow in an ecommerce.